All - Leep Calendar

Kitten Season is upon us. All the cats that gave birth to kittens in the late spring, those kittens are finally old enough to be adopted. National Kitten Day promotes awareness of this fact and urges people to adopt a kitten from their local shelter.

Africa

Jul

Korean War Veterans Armistice Day, Ntl. (1953): July 27

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National Korean War Veterans Armistice Day honors the soldiers who fought on the Korean Peninsula and pushed the Communist army north of the 38th Parallel. On July 27, 1953, the Military Armistice Agreement was signed, initiating a cessation of hostilities between North & South Korea. However, the agreement did not end the conflict.

Africa

Jul

Kupala Night: July 6-7

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Kupala Night falls on the night bridging July 6-7 every year in Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania, Poland, and Russia, corresponding to its original dates in the Julian calendar of June 23 -24. Pagan in origin, the Kupala Festival marks the end of the summer solstice. Although this festival falls near the birth date of Saint John the Baptist, its origin is with Kupala, the god of love, harvest, and fertility. During the eve of Kupala, unmarried men and women gather near a pond or stream and build a symbolic fire called the "Kupala fires," where they dance around it and sing erotic songs. They then bathe in the pond as a ritual for cleansing and then play games that are connotative of sex. Meals during supper include eggs, varenyky, and alcohol. During the Kupala eve, worshippers believe that trees move location, revealing the earth's secrets. To know where the ferns bloom is to understand where earth's treasure lay. Pagan rituals state this is the only day of the year ferns bloom. Look for events in the countries listed. Various cities have their own Kupala festivals.

Africa

Jul

La Semana de la Dulzura (AR): July 1-7

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In Argentina, La Semana de la Dulzura, translated as "The Week of Sweetness," is a unique and endearing cultural tradition that blends the love for sweets with the expression of affection. Celebrated annually in the first week of July, this week-long event has become integral to Argentinian culture, fostering moments of sweetness and camaraderie. La Semana de la Dulzura dates back to 1989. Argentina was experiencing high inflation, and trade groups sought ways to encourage shopping. The candy company Arcor joined forces with ADGyA, the Association of Distributors of Sweets, Chocolates, Cigarettes, and Related Items, to create La Semana de la Dulzura. The idea was to boost the sales of candies and chocolates during the winter season. However, it quickly transcended its commercial origins and became a beloved tradition. The custom is simple yet heartwarming: people exchange candies, chocolates, or other sweet treats for a kiss or a hug. This exchange symbolizes affection and warmth, beyond just romantic relationships to friendships, family bonds, and even collegial relationships. It's common to see this practice in schools, offices, and among friends, fostering a sense of unity and care within communities. La Semana de la Dulzura not only boosts the confectionery industry but also serves as a reminder of the importance of expressing love and affection. The underlying message of the week is to spread kindness and sweetness in relationships, an ethos that resonates deeply in the Argentine social fabric. In recent years, this "Week of Sweets" has become an opportunity to express gratitude, friendship, and love in various ways. Social media campaigns, special events, and business promotions have become a part of the celebration, each adding its flavor to the week. The significance of La Semana de la Dulzura in Argentine culture lies in its ability to transform a simple gesture into a meaningful tradition. It reflects Argentinians' warmth and affectionate nature, who value close personal relationships and the small, everyday actions that strengthen these bonds. As a cultural phenomenon, La Semana de la Dulzura encapsulates the spirit of kindness and generosity, making it a cherished time of the year in Argentina. ________ En Argentina, La Semana de la Dulzura, traducida como "The Week of Sweetness", es una tradición cultural única y entrañable que combina el amor por los dulces con la expresión de afecto. Celebrada anualmente en la primera semana de julio, este evento de una semana de duración se ha convertido en parte integral de la cultura argentina, fomentando momentos de dulzura y camaradería. La Semana de la Dulzura se remonta a 1989. Argentina estaba experimentando una alta inflación, y los grupos comerciales buscaban formas de incentivar las compras. La empresa de golosinas Arcor se unió a la ADGyA, la Asociación de Distribuidores de Golosinas, Chocolates, Cigarrillos y Artículos Relacionados, para crear La Semana de la Dulzura. La idea era impulsar las ventas de caramelos y chocolates durante la temporada de invierno. Sin embargo, rápidamente trascendió sus orígenes comerciales y se convirtió en una tradición querida. La costumbre es simple pero conmovedora: las personas intercambian caramelos, chocolates u otros dulces por un beso o un abrazo. Este intercambio simboliza afecto y calidez, más allá de las relaciones románticas, abarcando las amistades, los lazos familiares e incluso las relaciones colegiales. Es común ver esta práctica en escuelas, oficinas y entre amigos, fomentando un sentido de unidad y cuidado dentro de las comunidades. La Semana de la Dulzura no solo impulsa la industria de la confitería, sino que también sirve como un recordatorio de la importancia de expresar amor y afecto. El mensaje subyacente de la semana es difundir la bondad y la dulzura en las relaciones, un ethos que resuena profundamente en el tejido social argentino. En los últimos años, esta "Semana de los Dulces" se ha convertido en una oportunidad para expresar gratitud, amistad y amor de diversas maneras. Campañas en redes sociales, eventos especiales y promociones comerciales se han convertido en parte de la celebración, cada una aportando su sabor a la semana. La importancia de La Semana de la Dulzura en la cultura argentina radica en su capacidad de transformar un gesto simple en una tradición significativa. Refleja la calidez y la naturaleza afectuosa de los argentinos, que valoran las relaciones personales cercanas y las pequeñas acciones cotidianas que fortalecen estos vínculos. Como fenómeno cultural, La Semana de la Dulzura encapsula el espíritu de bondad y generosidad, convirtiéndola en un tiempo del año muy apreciado en Argentina.

Africa

Jul

Lasagna Day, Ntl.: July 29

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National Lasagna Day celebrates the Italian casserole called lasagna. Lasagna gets its name from the pasta used to make it, one of the oldest versions of pasta in the world. Lasagna is a wide flat pasta, and creating the casserole requires layering several ingredients and sauces between layers of pasta. The dish originated in the Emilia-Romania region of Italy, known for its meat-based tomato sauce called "ragu," a white sauce called béchamel, and Parmesan cheese. The first mention of the dish occurs early in the 14th century in the cookbook "Liber de Coquina."

Africa

Jul

Liberation Day (NI)(1979): July 19

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Liberation Day in Nicaragua marks the July 19, 1979, anniversary of the Sandinista's defeat of the Somoza dictatorship. Liberation Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jul

Liberation Day (SR)(1863): July 1

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Liberation Day in Suriname marks the abolition of slavery on July 1, 1863, in the then Dutch colony. Liberation Day is a national holiday.

Africa

Jul

Liberation Day (US-GU)(1944): July 21

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Liberation Day in Guam marks the anniversary of the American navy liberating the island from Japanese occupation on July 21, 1944. Guam continues today as a US territory, and liberation Day is an island holiday.

Africa

Jul

Lipstick Day, Intl.: July 29

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Created by international beauty blogger Huda Kattan, cosmetic companies in many nations embrace International Lipstick Day. Dubai-based Kattan has built a global following through her Instagram account, sharing health and beauty tips for women of all races and complexions. Best way to celebrate International Lipstick Day? Look for specials from your favorite cosmetic manufacturers and test some of the latest colors.

Africa

Jul

Loiza Aldea Fiesta (US-PR): July 19-27 (est)

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CARNIVAL IN JULY: LOÍZA ALDEA FIESTA IN PUERTO RICO The coastal town of Loíza, known as the heart of Afro-Boricua culture, awakens in a dazzling pageant of music, color, and devotion during its annual Loíza Aldea or Fiesta de Santiago Apóstol. The festival roots itself in the Feast of St. James, celebrated on July 25, in honor of the town's patron saint, Santiago Apóstol—a figure deeply embedded in Spanish tradition. Loíza itself, officially recognized as a town in 1692 and named after the Taino chieftain Yuisa (or Luisa), became a haven for West African (notably Yoruba) slaves during the colonial era, cultivating a rich cultural fusion that set the stage for the fiesta's distinct character. While the festival's exact inception remains murky, traditions trace back to early colonial times—African slaves embraced Santiago as a protective figure, merging their ancestral rituals with Catholic devotion. By the mid‑20th century and earlier, Loíza's celebrations had grown into a three‑day extravaganza, featuring grotesque coconut‑shell masks and flamboyant costumes crafted by famed artisans like Castor Ayala and his son Raul. ABOUT THE FESTIVAL The festival honors the miraculous appearance of Santiago, symbolized by three revered statues—Santiago de los Hombres, de las Mujeres, and de los Niños—each escorted in solemn processions to the town's pivotal Church of San Patricio and private guardians' homes (called mantenedores). Reverence for the saint interweaves with homage to Afro‑Puerto Rican heritage, expressed through bomba and plena rhythms, community feasts, artisan stalls, and the unmistakable presence of vejigantes, caballeros, and locas. How It's Celebrated —Late July schedule spans approximately July 24–28, aligning with Santiago's feast day and adapting to the weekend to maximize participation. —Processions begin July 24 with Santiago de los Hombres led to mass at Iglesia San Patricio. On July 25, the "Loiceños Ausentes" promenades through the streets from the Herrera Bridge into the public plaza. —Following days bring intricate route changes: the statue moves to Medianía Alta with horse riders and flags, while Santiago de las Mujeres returns to the church and the women's guardian house on July 27. Meanwhile, streets surge with life: bomba dancers, plena bands, food kiosks, and craft displays. Vejigantes—masked tricksters in vividly colored costumes—dance and jest alongside caballeros (knights) and locas (men in effusive female attire), each embodying layers of cultural narrative—from satire to ancestral reverence. Loíza's patronal festival is more than a local gala—it is a living chronicle of colonial history, spiritual adaptation, and cultural resilience. The coconut-shell vejigante masks invoke African and Taíno artistry. At the same time, the imagery of St. James as a warrior saint harks back to legends of Reconquista battles against the Moors—a symbol reinterpreted through Afro‑Puerto Rican lenses as an act of creative defiance and cultural identity. Loíza's Fiesta de Santiago Apóstol is a dynamic tapestry of faith, artistry, and community. Begun in colonial times with African and Spanish fusion, it now unfolds every late July with processions, bomba, plena, colorful costumes, and ancestral pride—ensuring that each generation dances its living history.

Africa

Jul

Lollapalooza, Chicago (US-IL): July 30 - August 2 (est)

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Created in 1991 in Chicago, Lollapalooza is an annual music festival that features an eclectic collection of popular music genres, including alternative rock, heavy metal, punk rock, hip-hop, and electronic music. The festival was created by Perry Farrell, the lead singer of the alternative rock band Jane's Addiction, in 1991 as a farewell tour for his band and has since evolved into a significant event, attracting thousands of music fans worldwide. Lollapalooza began as a touring festival, visiting multiple cities across the United States. However, it faced financial difficulties in the late 1990s and early 2000s, leading to its cancellation in 2004. The festival returned in 2005 as a weekend-long event in Grant Park, Chicago. Over the years, many notable acts have performed at Lollapalooza, such as Pearl Jam, Nine Inch Nails, The Smashing Pumpkins, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead, Lady Gaga, Kendrick Lamar, and countless others. The festival continues to be a significant event in live music and remains an essential destination for music fans. Typically, the festival includes eight stages, 170+ bands, an art market, shopping, a children's mini-fest, and Chow Town, with food from local restaurants showcasing the variety and quality of their menu selections. In recent years, Lollapalooza has expanded to other countries, with events in France, Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, and Sweden. The festival is known for its diverse lineup of established and up-and-coming artists and its variety of art installations, food vendors, and other attractions. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are unknown until a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

Africa

Jul

Lollipop Day, Ntl.: July 20

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National Lollipop Day celebrates the lollipop, although the origin of the candy is unknown. What is known is the lollipop first appeared in the late 18th century. The story is that the current-day iconic candy on a stick is attributed to George Smith, a partner at confection manufacturer Bradley Smith Company, who began selling lollipops in 1908. The company trademarked "Lollipop" on October 13, 1931. Legend says the candy received its name to honor a famous racehorse named Lolly Pops. Racine Confectioner's Machinery Co. was the first to automate the lollipop-making process. But there is a glitch in this story popularized on the internet. Smith couldn't trademark "lollipop" because the word was already in the dictionary. Lollipop is described in this early 19th-century printing as a "hard sweetmeat sometimes on a stick." The entry was over 100 years old in 1931. So, Smith didn't invent the lollipop or the word. However, he did manage to market it, and like Ray Kroc with burgers and McDonald's, marketing made Smith the lollipop king. Ultimately, he did get the trademark. Happy Lollipop Day!

Africa

Jul

Lost Pet Prevention Month, Ntl: July

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A family pet is lost every two seconds in America, with July 5th being the day with the most entering shelters due to July 4th fireworks. One in three pets will be lost during their lifetime, with only 10% ever found, and fewer than this making it home again. PetHub created National Lost Pet Prevention Month in 2014 to educate pet parents on best practices in keeping their pets home safe. And the tools available to find them should they become lost.

Africa

Jul

Lottery Day, Ntl.: July 17

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Lotteries are the favorite method of gambling around the world. The money paid for tickets funds various programs, including schools, medical treatment, and civic projects. The concept has been in use for centuries. National Lottery Day was created in 2018 by the Massachusetts State Lottery as a promotional tool.

Africa

Jul

Love is Kind Day, Ntl.: July 27

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National Love Is Kind Day is created by mother and daughter team Rosie Aiello and Sunny Sophie Gabrielle to share their story of hope and freedom. For nearly 25 years, the mother and daughter endured an emotionally, mentally, and financially abusive relationship. Mother Rosie devised a plan and escaped the Middle East with her daughter, freeing both from domestic violence. Their memoir '11 Hours to Freedom' details their story. National Love is Kind Day seeks to create a global movement that assists women, and their children escape similar situations anywhere in the world. The day's name originates from the love passages in the bible: 1 Corinthians 13, 4-13. A portion of this beloved passage is below "Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its way; it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, and endures all things. Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away."

Africa